The temporary control zone (TCZ) previously established in East Yorkshire has been expanded to include parts of Lincolnshire following the confirmation of the bluetongue virus in the county.

Defra reported that bluetongue virus 'BTV-3' was identified on a farm in North East Lincolnshire on the evening of Tuesday, September 10.

In line with the government's disease control framework, the TCZ, which was set up last week after the disease was confirmed in East Yorkshire, has been extended.

As per the latest data, a total of 38 premises have now been impacted by bluetongue since the initial case was reported in late August.

The highest concentration of cases remains in the East of England, particularly Norfolk and Suffolk, both of which are under a restricted zone established at the start of September.

Earlier this week, government veterinarians also confirmed the first case of bluetongue virus in Essex, prompting an extension of the restricted zone to include this county.

Therefore, five counties across England—East Yorkshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and now Lincolnshire—have reported cases of BTV-3.

The escalating situation follows the government's decision to allow the use of three bluetongue vaccines to manage the infection.

While these vaccines are suppressive and can lessen the clinical signs of the disease in animals, they do not prevent infection.

Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss acknowledged that although the vaccines are not protective, they represent a significant step forward in controlling the virus.

"They will aid in reducing clinical signs in animals and the impact of disease on farms, but it is not a protective vaccine." she stated.

The restricted zones in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex impose stricter controls on the movement of animals and germinal products.

All infected premises in these three counties are under restriction, and susceptible animals can only be moved with a license from infected premises.

Essential movements of susceptible animals can occur within the restricted zone without a license but require a specific license for movement out of the zone.

A general license is available for moving animals to designated abattoirs.

This follows the confirmation of the disease in a single sheep on a Norfolk farm in late August, marking the first UK bluetongue case this summer.

Prior to this, in November 2023, government veterinarians identified the first case of the disease in Britain since 2007.